Ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of precancerous polyps, new study finds - CBS News

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology has revealed that women under 50 who consume a higher quantity of ultra-processed foods are at a greater risk for developing precancerous colorectal growths. The research followed 29,105 nurses from 1991 to 2015, focusing on their eating habits and health outcomes. The findings indicated that women averaging three servings of ultra-processed foods daily had a 3% risk of developing precancerous polyps, which rose to 5% for those consuming ten or more servings. While only about 5% of adenomas are cancerous, a significant percentage of colorectal cancers originate from these growths. The study did not establish a connection between ultra-processed foods and serrated lesions. Ultra-processed foods constitute over half of the average American's diet and have been associated with various health issues, such as obesity and diabetes, both of which escalate cancer risks. While researchers are still determining how these foods impact health, it's suggested that the alteration of the gut microbiome may lead to increased inflammation and permeability of the gut wall.